iRobot will use Android tablets to power service robots
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And what's better than a robot serving as your daily helper? That robot, named AVA, will be powered by Android tablets! The Android tablet, a Motorola XOOM in this case, will serve as the processing and sensory core, while the iRobot machinery underneath will provide the mobility and physical functions.
Angle explains how the tablet and AVA came together: "We in the robot industry realized this is a fantastic head for a robot...what was missing was the body." With the front-facing camera, microphone, speakers, and accelerometer, the XOOM requires only the body and the programming.
Some keen readers might remember that AVA was initially demonstrated with an iPad at CES. Angle explains that the change was made for features like voice and video chat. "We're tablet-agnostic...Right now, Android has what we need," explains Angle.
iRobot's hope is to sell AVA to developers this year, and enter businesses next year. And once the price comes down, AVA can enter homes, and provide everything from domestic assistance to virtual doctors' visits.
source: CNET
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11 Comments
1. doubler86 posted on 10 May 2011, 20:37 1 1
This is so awesome, how much does anyone want to bet Apple will come back with lawsuit over using the lowercase "i" in front name. lol
2. Lucas777 posted on 10 May 2011, 20:49 1 1
its kinda ridiculous of them to use i and android... and anyways isnt there a little vaccum cleaner called irobot? thats where the lawsuit is...
3. vantenkiest posted on 10 May 2011, 21:16 1 1
its the same maker of the little circle robot irobot.
4. vantenkiest posted on 10 May 2011, 21:17 3 1
that and will smith was pretty good in the movie LMAO
5. Sniggly posted on 10 May 2011, 21:32 1 1
iRobot makes the roomba. It has nothing to do with Apple. So it's a OK for an android tablet to power it.
7. Lucas777 posted on 10 May 2011, 23:20 1 0
ya my bad... didnt realize this WAS the vacum company... haha but doesnt it seem funny they wud use a xoom and not just make their own tablet?
8. Sniggly posted on 11 May 2011, 01:33 1 1
More cost effective to strike a deal with a company making an existing, awesome tablet, which was probably bringing a better deal to the table than Apple (an example of Apple's offers being "Bend over and we'll take it from here."), than to spend the time, money and resources needed to develop the tablet themselves.
11. Lucas777 posted on 11 May 2011, 18:18 1 0
i doubt apple made a deal at all... they actually have people to buy their tablets...
nahhh i think this is just a way for motorola to get rid of all the xooms cluttering their shelves...
6. luis_lopez_351 posted on 10 May 2011, 21:47 1 2
"We're tablet-agnostic...Right now, Android has what we need,"
9. BarrytheSneak (unregistered) posted on 11 May 2011, 08:45 1 0
One step closer to the HumancentiPad?
10. iHateCrapple posted on 11 May 2011, 09:21 1 0
Speaking of which...looks like he's trying to emulate (blow)Jobs with his outfit, minus a turtleneck.
